Licensing subagent shut down by auditor, $21,000 missing

Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey said Tuesday that he has canceled the contract with a licensing subagent, the Vancouver Market Center Auto License.

The office, at 5000 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., was closed Aug. 3, Kimsey said. He said his staff conducted an extensive review and reported to the Vancouver Police Department that $21,000 has been not properly accounted for.

No arrests have been made and the case remains under investigation, said Kim Kapp, spokeswoman for the police department.

“While this is an unfortunate incident, our procedures and controls proved very effective in detecting the problems,” Kimsey said. “As a result we made a timely report to law enforcement and will continue our effort to protect public funds. If it is determined that a loss of public funds occurred, recovery will be actively pursued.”

Vehicle licensing subagents are private enterprises that contract with the county to license vehicles and boats on behalf of the county and the state Department of Licensing. The offices are supported by customer service fees.

Kimsey said his staff contacted auto dealers and people who had recently used the office and found nine transactions had not been completed.

He said he closed the office last month after determining terms of the contract had not been met, including the fact the office was not properly depositing money.

People can ask questions about transactions made at the Vancouver Market Center Auto License at the Clark County Auto Licensing Office, 1408 Franklin St., 360-397-2288.